Alan Olson - Articles

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Getting Green With Bamboo
Even under natural growth conditions, a large full-sized bamboo tree could grow in six years, as opposed to sixty years for an average North American tree. This is a very high yield; in fact bamboo has been labeled the fastest growing renewable resource on the planet. Read
By: Alan Olson | 01/04/2008 | Real Estate
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The Decorative Pool
Did you know, for example, that you can now have a pool with an infinity edge for your toddlers? Or how about placing your lava rock bowl in a centrally placed rock formation in your pool and lighting it up different colors at night? Read
By: Alan Olson | 27/03/2008 | Landscaping
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Shattering Real Estate Marketing Nightmares
The game, is really along the lines of, "you snooze, you lose". So be prepared by avoiding the pitfalls that include, having restricted hours for showings, having no lock box on the property, having a 24 hour notice restriction or an appointment only stipulation. Read
By: Alan Olson | 27/03/2008 | Real Estate
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Schmidt Brewery Lofts
There has been a lot of speculation about the fate of the old Schmidt Brewery. Once a bustling brewery, employing over 400 workers, it has been sitting vacant since 2004. Council Member Dave Thune describes it as a "symbol of the Seventh Street community. We want to bring life and liveliness back into the neighborhood". Read
By: Alan Olson | 31/01/2008 | Real Estate
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Thinking of Selling your Home?
Selling a home in many areas of the USA at the moment is a gamble. It is difficult to decide whether or not to sell, whether to list at what you feel is the market price, or whether you should undercut the market price. Read
By: Alan Olson | 22/01/2008 | Real Estate
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Extend or Move?
Why do people renovate and add onto their existing home? It may be that your family is getting larger or perhaps you've decided to run your business from home, or even simply because you would like a formal dining room. For some of us the first thought is obviously to move, but others are too fond of their home and neighborhood to want to leave it. Read
By: Alan Olson | 14/12/2007 | Real Estate
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Grow Op-portunities, a Modern Day Realty Dilemma
When buying a house we all know the pitfalls, and our realtor will guide us through any other nuances of house purchase that we may be unaware of. However, as with everything else, fads and changing lifestyles can move the goal posts and catch us all out! With this in mind, here is a cautionary note if you find yourself looking at ex-rental properties. Read
By: Alan Olson | 29/11/2007 | Real Estate
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Steam Out the Cold
Did you know that if you increase the humidity ratio in your house, you will feel warmer? It would seem that the old-timers knew this long before science announced it. They always stood the kettle on top of their wood-burning cook stove to steam away into the atmosphere all day long. Read
By: Alan Olson | 21/11/2007 | Home Improvement
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Get Rolling With a House Painting Party
Painting is one of those jobs that can go on forever; repair the walls, primer the walls, apply two coats of paint, and then run around fixing all the spots you missed. Maybe you've just bought a new home or are trying to get your current house sale ready, a painting party can help you get this done quickly. Read
By: Alan Olson | 25/10/2007 | Home Improvement
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Lakefront Property - Maintaining Its Scenic Value
There is nothing that can replace the scenic wonder of nature's landscape. When you purchased this property you were probably attracted by the visual qualities and natural beauty in the area, and now you have a responsibility to maintain this beauty when you build or renovate your home. Read
By: Alan Olson | 16/10/2007 | Real Estate